Sexual orientation and sex in women's lives: Conceptual and methodologicalissues

Use of such categorical terms as heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian is wid espread, vet research indicates that sexuality is a multidimensional phenom enon. Sexual behavior, identity, and desire are not highly intercorrelated for women, and this has implications for new ways of conceptualizing sexual orientation. Furthermore, the multifaceted nature of sexual orientation ha s implications for conceptualizing sexual activity and sexual desire for wo men, Some methodological issues are presented for future research on female sexual orientation, including a better understanding of gender and a more multifaceted approach to sexual orientation.